Dartford 2 Aveley 0 match report: Isthmian Premier win with goals from Denzelle Olopade and Joe Tennent

Dartford boosted their hopes of a top-four finish after seeing off fellow play-off contenders Aveley on Saturday.

The Darts scored a goal in either half to sink 10-man Aveley, who lost the Isthmian Premier’s remaining unbeaten away record.

Dartford made two changes from the side that drew 2-2 at Hashtag United last Friday, with Dan Smith and Samir Carruthers replacing Nelson Eze and Dan Carter.

Aveley adopted a physical approach as they gave away a number of needless fouls, particularly in the opening 20 minutes.

Dartford hit the woodwork as early as the sixth minute when Callum Jones’ effort from wide on the left clipped the top of the crossbar.

Their early dominance was rewarded after 10 minutes when another free-kick was returned into the danger area and Denzelle Olopade fired low beyond keeper Rylee Mitchell from 20 yards.

Aveley’s Ryan Henshaw was booked for a foul on Jacob Bland on the edge of the area but Carruthers curled the free-kick just wide of the upright.

Carruthers should have doubled Dartford’s lead midway through the half when Olly Box played him in but the midfielder dragged his left-foot effort wide of the far post.

Aveley offered little going forward, George Whitefield had to head away Ollie Peters’ shot after initially being beaten for pace.

Then keeper Jonny Henly coughed up possession cheaply, before redeeming himself with a low save at his near post from George Saunders.

Aveley’s Jayden Gipson was booked for a crude foul on Carruthers in stoppage time, with the latter’s reaction also earning him a yellow card.

Aveley started the second half in more positive mode, a long throw into the penalty area was headed against the outside of the post by Harry Haysom.

Another crude Aveley challenge wasn’t far